Gunnison, CO: Dillon Pinnacles

Cruise the high-mountain desert to a pinnacle overlook in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This 3.8-miler offers an up-close look at the volcanic activity that shaped the natural wonders nearby.

Cruise the high-mountain desert to a pinnacle overlook in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This 3.8-miler offers an up-close look at the volcanic activity that shaped the natural wonders nearby.

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This moderate 3.8-mile lollipop loop heads west from the roadside trailhead above the Morrow Point Reservoir. After 0.75 mile, follow the trail uphill past cedar and sage in Dillon Gulch to a junction where this route bears left. You'll wind through the exposed, high-desert landscape below volcanic formations known as the Dillon Pinnacles. If you can, avoid stopping at one of several benches on the trail and save your sitting for the best one: at the overlook between the reservoir and the 600-foot pinnacles (and the route's turnaround point). Note: There isn't much shade on this route—sagebrush and stubby alpine trees hint at the area's inhospitable conditions. Expect fast-changing conditions and try to hit this trail in the morning or evening hours mid-summer to avoid strong winds, heat and afternoon thunderstorms. -Mapped by Kristy Holland